Former Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata is nearing the end of his outstanding career and now setting his sights on his next venture when he eventually hangs up his boots.
With that in mind, as reported by BBC sport, the Spanish playmaker has now joined the ownership group of Major League Soccer expansion side San Diego FC.
San Diego will enter the MLS next season for their maiden campaign and become the 30th team in the competition.
Mata released a short statement conforming the news and couldn’t hide his excitement on joining the ever-growing league.
“Joining San Diego FC as a partner is an exciting opportunity to help build something truly special in a city and league that are experiencing incredible growth,” he said.
San Diego were equally thrilled and say Mata is the “first active international soccer player to hold an ownership stake in Major League Soccer”.
Club chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour labelled Mata was a “serial winner” and believes the Spaniard aligns with the club’s ambition to “build a winning team for the long-term”.
Mata will come up against United legend David Beckham’s star-studied Inter Miami next season as the former Reds make their mark in the U.S.
However, the World Cup winner still has business left on the field and his currently plying his trade for Australian A-League side, Western Sydney Wanderers.
The 36-year-old signed a season long deal with the Sydney club in September after leaving Japanese outfit Vissel Kobe on a free transfer.
Mata will forever be remembered at Old Trafford for his unforgettable brace at Anfield in 2015 which included a stunning bicycle kick in front of the travelling fans.
Despite not winning the Premier League trophy during his time at the club, Mata did win an FA and Carabao Cup as well as a Europa League trophy under Jose Mourinho.
His infectious personality made its way into the heart of United fans around the world, who will all wish him the very best for whatever the future holds both on and off the pitch.
Conner Botterill
Conner Botterill has been with The Peoples Person for two years. A keen match-going red with degrees in Sport and Journalism and Philosophy and Psychology, Conner still believes he has a chance of making United’s first team through his 5-a-side career.
